Shin Meaning and Definition
Shin
Pronunciation
/ʃɪn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
Either of the bumpers or the arch of the foot, or a flat, thin, and elongated piece of wood, leather, or plastic attached to the bottom of a thing as a support or as a way to create a flat surface.
Examples
- The athlete landed squarely on her shin after a jump.
- The carpenter attached a shin to the table leg for stability.
Synonyms
- Tibia
- Arch
Antonyms
- Heel
- Toe
Etymology
The word “shin” comes from Old English “scin” or “scyn”, which is related to the Proto-Germanic word “*skizn”, and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root “*kes-“, meaning “to bend” or “to curve”.
Usage Notes
When referring to the human body, the word “shin” typically refers to the bumpers or arch of the foot. However, when used in the context of furniture or architecture, it refers to a flat, thin, and elongated piece of wood, leather, or plastic attached to the bottom of a thing as a support or as a way to create a flat surface.
Cultural References
The word “shin” has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature and music. For example, in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island”, the character Jim Hawkins is said to have “cut his shin” when navigating the forest.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
There is no commonly used idiomatic expression or phrase that includes the word “shin”. However, there are some phrases that use the word to convey a sense of physical pain or discomfort, such as “painful shin” or “shin sore from running”.
Related Words or Phrases
- Leg
- Foot
- Ankle
Collocations
- Shin splint
- Shin guard
- Shin injury
Frequency of Use
The word “shin” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, and is often used in specialized contexts such as medical or sports contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Shinn
- Shinns
- Shyn